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A review by jennay
Broken Toys by Neel Latchman
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Dark pages to match a darkly written story - Broken Toys is an unmatched thriller.
More people need to be talking about this book! It is so unique, not only in the storytelling, but in the attributes of the physical book - beautiful white type on all-black pages. Magnificent!
Neel Latchman has a strong sense of character development & story building. There are elements of curiosity, underlying tension, and twists throughout the novel, making this read a slow burn leading to an intense climax cliffhanger ending.
With the sale of Grounded Coffee House, his business that he built from the ground up, Galan was finally able to relish in some hope for his life - or so he thought. Aria, sister of the new owner of Grounded Coffee House, has captivated Galan and unbeknownst to her, has given him hope for love, something Galan craves. But he will learn that Aria and her group of toxic friends is not what he needs - not even a little bit. Sometimes, the idea of 'love' can push us to our breaking point, again and again.
The raw character flaws of the main character, Galan, are what makes the book so innately human; at least for those of us who have never felt like they have been enough. The imagery used is impeccable and really reflects the tone of Galan's moods throughout.
Emotions evoked: anger, anticipation, fear, disgust, sadness, loneliness, hope, surprise, lust
Spice Level: 🌶🌶/5 I personally would love to see more spice as Latchman's imagery can do much for the imagination!
Thought-worthy points evoked by this book:
This book shines light on the reality of how selfish others can be, not caring which ways one can scar another person.
Certain situations in this book (no spoilers!) provoked thoughts about such a throwaway culture we live in, and not with regards to 'stuff' but with human interactions. When careless relationships damage us, aren't we all just a bunch of Broken Toys?
Other notes:
I would love to see this become a movie or even an adult Anime.
In closing:
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what type of a ride the sequel, I'm Broken Too, takes me on!
More people need to be talking about this book! It is so unique, not only in the storytelling, but in the attributes of the physical book - beautiful white type on all-black pages. Magnificent!
Neel Latchman has a strong sense of character development & story building. There are elements of curiosity, underlying tension, and twists throughout the novel, making this read a slow burn leading to an intense climax cliffhanger ending.
With the sale of Grounded Coffee House, his business that he built from the ground up, Galan was finally able to relish in some hope for his life - or so he thought. Aria, sister of the new owner of Grounded Coffee House, has captivated Galan and unbeknownst to her, has given him hope for love, something Galan craves. But he will learn that Aria and her group of toxic friends is not what he needs - not even a little bit. Sometimes, the idea of 'love' can push us to our breaking point, again and again.
The raw character flaws of the main character, Galan, are what makes the book so innately human; at least for those of us who have never felt like they have been enough. The imagery used is impeccable and really reflects the tone of Galan's moods throughout.
Emotions evoked: anger, anticipation, fear, disgust, sadness, loneliness, hope, surprise, lust
Spice Level: 🌶🌶/5 I personally would love to see more spice as Latchman's imagery can do much for the imagination!
Thought-worthy points evoked by this book:
This book shines light on the reality of how selfish others can be, not caring which ways one can scar another person.
Certain situations in this book (no spoilers!) provoked thoughts about such a throwaway culture we live in, and not with regards to 'stuff' but with human interactions. When careless relationships damage us, aren't we all just a bunch of Broken Toys?
Other notes:
I would love to see this become a movie or even an adult Anime.
In closing:
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what type of a ride the sequel, I'm Broken Too, takes me on!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Death, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Self harm, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting
Minor: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment, Classism